Returning Neighborhoods On Royal Caribbean Icon Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean fan favorites havent been left out. Icon of the Seas includes a Central Park that offers a plethora of cafes, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, Royal Caribbeans ice area, Absolute Zero, and more.
One of Royal Caribbean’s favorite onboard neighborhoods is Central Park. It’s going to be included on the Icon of the Seas!
Royal Caribbean Brilliance Of The Seas Dress Code
Daytime:The dress code on board is usually “cruise casual” and you’ll see plenty of T-shirts and shorts.
Evening:In the evenings, approximately 10 percent of passengers wear jeans, but most wear khakis and casual dresses. Expect one formal night on which most men wear suits and women don cocktail dresses, with only a few opting for tuxedos and long dresses. One “smart casual” dinner night brings out the dress slacks and blouses.
Not permitted: Baseball caps, swimsuits and tank tops are never allowed in the restaurants in the evening.
Included With Your Cruise Fare:
- Meals in the Minstrel Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace buffet, as well as snacks and meals at the Park Cafe also continental breakfast choices from room service
- Main theater shows and entertainment
- Most daily activities and events, unless otherwise noted
- Use of the fitness center
- Use of the rock climbing wall, Sports Court, mini-golf course and kids water slide
- Adventure Ocean Kids Programs until 10 p.m.
- Gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
TRUE LUXURY TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD
Every journey is as varied as the travelers taking it. So, at Regent Seven Seas Cruises â the only truly all-inclusive luxury cruise line â we offer thousands of FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions to explore however you please when sailing to the over 450 ports of call that we sail to across the globe. Travel with the security and comfort of The Worldâs Most Luxurious Fleetâ¢, enjoying the freedom that comes with our Unrivaled Space at Seaâ¢.
Standing upon the deck of a luxury cruise, the fresh sea air enlivens the spirit, beckoning guests ashore to unearth the hidden wonders that await in far-flung regions and favorite ports of call. Wake up each morning in a spacious suite to a new perspective from your private balcony. Enlighten your day with new insights from knowledgeable, onboard speakers and local guides as you tour, taste and savor the many marvelous destinations. Recall the dayâs adventures with good friends and exquisite food at our specialty cruise restaurants, then dance or delight in the rhythm of the eveningâs onboard entertainment before settling into your private oasis at sea.
Ways To Stay Stateroom Options On Icon Of The Seas
Whether youre looking to stay on a budget or book the ultimate splurge, theres something for every vacationer here. Inside staterooms start at $1,099 per person. While there are cheaper cruises, this is a solid starting price point for a seven-night cruise with this many onboard options. The top-of-the-line townhouse goes for a whopping $60K. As you can see, theres quite a variance in pricing.
The media presentation I attended in Miami focused heavily on the all-new Surfside Family Suites, which are ideal for families with young children. These middle-tier staterooms have adorable kids alcoves tucked away from the adults sleeping area. I was impressed by the space and liked how the kids beds were proper beds and not pull-out/pull-down berths. The virtual stateroom I toured still managed a decent amount of floor space without having the kids beds put away during the day, so Im curious to see what the actual staterooms look like.
The Surfside Family Suites include WiFi, a dedicated pool area, and a dedicated dining area. Theres also special access to the Surfside neighborhood I described above.
You can see more stateroom options and prices when the booking link goes live in a few days. Keep reading for booking info.
Surfside Family Suites are geared toward families with kids under six. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
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What Happened To The Harmony Of The Seas
In May 2022, the cruise ship crashed into a dock in Jamaica and suffered damages. It had left Port Canaveral and went to the Bahamas before leaving for Jamaica, where it hit a dock.
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Are There People Drinking In The Pool
The ship features seven pools on board including four in a terraced neighborhood called Chill Island. One of those named the Swim & Tonic will be the lines first ever swim-up bar at sea.
Its adjacent to the largest pool on a cruise ship, the Royal Bay Pool, and a margarita glass hot tub, one of nine whirlpools on board, among the Caribbean-themed pool deck with a variety of lounging options thats been rolled out to other ships in the fleet. It will also be home to some of the Lime & Coconut bars, of which there are four shipwide.
We really talk about this mantra of water, water everywhere, Schneider said. Weve really tried to redefine as many pools as possible facing outward glass facades that give you vast, breathtaking views of the ocean and really driving that connection to the water.
One of the other unique pools on board is in a different neighborhood called The Hideaway, home to a suspended infinity pool 135 feet above the ocean along with a multi-level sun terrace, more whirlpools and bar.
Renderings of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas. The ship is a new class for the line larger than the Oasis class set to begin sailing from Miami in January 2024.
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Shipboard Vip Passenger Program The Key
On two liners is currently being tested a new VIP passenger access program . The program’s test period was November 2018 through March 2019. It has limited quantity and is available on select voyages.
The VIP package is available for purchase only via CruisePlanner. Currently, the package’s cost is USD 25,99 per person per day. However, all roommates ages 6 and older must purchase the package to receive its benefits .
“The Key” VIP package is inclusive of:
- Carry-on luggage service – drop off at Royal Theater or MDR , cabin delivery
- Welcome MDR lunch on embarkation day between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Dining reservations are not required.
- Daily private visits at signature shipboard facilities – including FlowRider, Rock-Climbing Walls, Ice-Skating Rink. VIP seating at live shows must be reserved online prior departure.
- Early access at the cruise terminal, priority check-in and tendering service at call ports without docking facilities.
- Complimentary room service
- 25% discount on all shipboard dining purchases
- Early access at the Theater’s shows
- Complimentary VOOM Internet .
- Priority debarkation with exclusive a la carte breakfast .
IMPORTANT: Currently, “The Key” package is not offered only on Majesty OTS, Quantum OTS and Voyager OTS. Priority check-in and boarding are not offered in Vancouver BC Canada and at Australian homeports.
Rough Seas On A Cruise Ship: Can The Ship Handle It
Cruise ships are made of heavy steel. When there is a full capacity of passengers, plus the crew, the weight will allow it to easily roll with the high seas and high winds.
In the roughest seas, the ship may tilt to one side. However, this is highly unlikely since shipbuilders vigorously test the center of gravity and buoyancy while constructing the vessel.
This testing included putting scale models of the cruise ship through storm simulations to see how it holds up. These ships are designed to handle all types of storms, even hurricanes.
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Royal Caribbean Cruises To Cuba From Florida
Royal Caribbean operated Cuba cruises with the Miami-homeported ship Empress of the Seas. The first Cuban cruise was on April 19, 2017 .
The newly-refreshed Empress OTS had scheduled a total of 58 voyages in the period January 2018 through March 2019, with more than half offering overnights in havana. Empress was homeported in Tampa for summer 2018, for 4- and 5-night itineraries to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Havana . For the winter 2018-2019 season, the ship repositioned to Port Everglades .
On December 1, 2017, RCI added 2 new Cuban ports included in 4- to 8-night long Caribbean itineraries on Empress of the Seas. The new 7-night “Best of Cuba” itinerary from Miami visits Cienfuegos, Havana, and Nassau. The 5-night itinerary visits Key West Florida and Havana . The 8-night itinerary visits Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Grand Cayman Island, and Labadee Haiti.
Majesty of the Seas offered 4- and 5-night itineraries to Havana leaving roundtrip from Tampa and from Fort Lauderdale . In July 2017, RCI unveiled the company’s 2nd ship to Cuba – Majesty OTS, homeported in Port Canaveral. Starting March 25, 2019, the liner offered a 4-night voyage calling at Havana.
Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles . An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.
Icon Of The Seas Features
When it’s finished, Icon of the Seas will have 18 passenger decks two more than the current size leader Wonder of the Seas.
It’ll also be longer than Wonder of the Seas, by a tad. It’ll measure 1,198 feet long 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.
But its biggest difference may be in the number of passengers it will hold. Its maximum capacity of 7,600 will be about 7% higher than Wonder of the Seas’ maximum capacity of 7,084 passengers.
The bigger passenger capacity is in part due to the ship’s greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas is being built with a lot more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with many children. It’ll also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor “neighborhood” called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.
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From Luxury Ocean Liners To Megaship Cruising
With the advent of large passenger jet aircraft in the 1960s, intercontinental travelers switched from ships to planes sending the ocean liner trade into a terminal decline. Certain characteristics of older ocean liners made them unsuitable for cruising duties, such as high fuel consumption, deep draught preventing them from entering shallow ports, and cabins designed to maximize passenger numbers rather than comfort.
Ocean liner services aimed at passengers ceased in 1986, with the notable exception of transatlantic crossings operated by the British shipping company Cunard Line, catering to a niche market of those who appreciated the several days at sea. In an attempt to shift the focus of the market from passenger travel to cruising with entertainment value, Cunard Line pioneered the luxury cruise transatlantic service on board the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. International celebrities were hired to perform cabaret acts onboard and the crossing was advertised as a vacation in itself.
Sovereign of the SeasSovereignOasis
Until 19751980, cruises offered shuffleboard, deck chairs, “drinks with umbrellas and little else for a few hundred passengers”. After 1980, they offered increasing amenities. As of 2010, city-sized ships have dozens of amenities.
The Odyssey Of The Seas Deck Plan Feels Exciting And Unique
The Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas deck plan blends sophistication with fun. We love the elevated approach this ship takes to the cruise line’s Royal Promenade, for example, creating a chic space that’s a visual sensation, while still bringing on the excitement.
Its innovative method in designing spaces — especially the wow-inducing Two70 venue — feels new and contemporary. The ship’s unflinching approach to exposing its guests to exciting concepts is a breath of fresh air we’re sure passengers will leave having seen and done things they haven’t anywhere else. We especially enjoyed the art throughout we literally were stopping in stairwells to look at each piece. Additionally, our favorite activity on the ship was the VR venue adjacent to the SeaPlex, which had us laughing uproariously at ourselves by the end it’s a don’t-miss.
Despite the Odyssey of the Seas size, which is large, great care has been taken to ensure passenger flow doesn’t feel congested. With so many spots to enjoy onboard including a huge pool deck guests tend to find their favorites and stick with them. And multiple shows in the main entertainment venues are offered on various nights, so it’s easy to work out a schedule that suits you without running up against crowds. For reference, the Odyssey of the Seas capacity is 4,198 passengers at double occupancy.
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Oasis Ots Refurbishment 2019 Review
Ship’s Royal Amplified drydock refurb is scheduled for 2019 and budgeted USD 165 million . By this 63-day long drydocking project many new venues will be added, including some fleet-firsts.
Pool Deck was completely renovated and redesigned, also receiving “The Lime and Coconut” . The new venue offers beverages , DJ, and live outdoor music performances. Swimming pools’ sunbathing areas received more shaded seating, including daybeds, hammocks, swing seats, casitas . The adults-only Solarium complex was refreshed and new whirlpools were added. Aft on Deck 16 was installed the 10-story high waterslide “Ultimate Abyss” plus “The Perfect Storm” .
Also new on Oasis OTS are the Quantum-Class venues “Music Hall” and “Bionic Bar” . Bionic Bar replaced Champagne Bar . Music Hall replaced Dazzles Disco . “Clash for the Crystal City” is a new laser tag game played at Studio B’s Ice Rink .
Following drydock 2019, Oasis OTS now has an enlarged and enhanced retail complex with a total of 8 shopping areas . At the upgraded retail zones are sold premium-brand watches and jewellery , fashion clothing, beauty products, perfumes, cosmetics, RCI brand merchandise. Among the represented retail brands are Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, John Hardy, Debbie Katz, Tagua, Marcela Cofre, Hennessy, Hublot, Breitling+Longines, TAG Heuer.
Review Of Wonder Of The Seas
The 2022-built Wonder of the Seas cruise ship is the third RCI “Oasis-Plus” class liner, with sisterships Harmony OTS , Symphony OTS and Utopia OTS . Wonder OTS just slightly exceeds in size the original Oasis-class vessels Oasis OTS and Allure OTS . The vessel has a building cost of USD 1,35 billion .
The vessel is currently Bahamas-flagged and registered in Nassau.
Wonder OTS is the 14th vessel delivered to Royal Caribbean by the French shipbuilding company Chantiers de l’Atlantique , and RCI fleet’s 28th liner.
In mid-July 2020, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group announced that due to delayed delivery from the shipbuilder, Wonder OTS’ China debut is postponed “until further notice”. In mid-September 2021 was announced that the ship’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean and Europe-Mediterranean.
- The Lime & Coconut
The Mason Jar is a fleet-first bar-restaurant offering Southern American cuisine specialties – comfort food, BBQ classics, salads, sides, burgers, sandwiches, cakes, pies, beverages as well as live country music . The late-night menu has various items priced between $3-9, including Fried Green Tomatoes, Blue Crab Beignets, Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich. Per person pricing/cover charges are US$25 and US$40 , children 6-12 dine for US$11, kids under 6 dine for free.
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Wonder Of The Seas Wiki
Wonder OTS is Royal Caribbean Group’s 5th Oasis-class liner , with sisterships Utopia, Harmony, Symphony, Oasis, Allure. These are currently the world’s biggest passenger liners ever constructed. constructed. The shipowner planned the OASIS-Plus vessel’s cost per berth to be lower compared to Allure and Oasis.
Like her sisterships, Wonder OTS has telescoping funnels to be able to sail under bridges. Unlike the original/smaller Oasis-class ships, Wonder has no Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine and 150 Central Park , while the adult-only Solarium complex has a swimming pool and 2 additional whirlpools.
The following aerial photo shows an Oasis-class vessel .
The vessel’s construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony held on April 24, 2019. The keel-laying was on October 10, 2019, held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique Shipyard in Saint-Nazaire . A 65×155 ft , 970-ton keel block was lifted by a 1400-ton gantry crane and placed into the shipyard’s building dock. During the ceremony, under the first hull block were placed newly minted coins – to stay there until the end of the ship’s construction. The steel-cutting ceremony was attended by Joseph Pineau , Beatrice Siri , Jean-Yves Jaouen , Florence Mauduit and Laurent Castaing .
On February 18, 2019, RCI signed a shipbuilding order with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a 6th Oasis-class liner . This was the shipyard’s 23rd vessel built for Royal Caribbean.